Srikkanth Questions Team India’s Call on Tilak Varma: “He’ll Soon Become Captain…” Ex-India Star Backs Sanju Samson Instead

Team India‘s disappointing run in the ongoing T20I tour of the United Kingdom has sparked fresh criticism, with former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth questioning the team’s selection decisions and the continued backing of vice-captain Tilak Varma.

India’s struggles have been evident throughout the tour. After losing the T20I series against Ireland, the Men in Blue have also fallen behind in the series against England, raising concerns about the team’s batting, leadership and overall balance despite lifting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 only a few months ago.

Srikkanth raises questions over Tilak Varma’s role

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth did not mince words while discussing Tilak Varma’s recent performances.

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The former opener suggested that the left-handed batter has looked uncomfortable against fast bowling in English conditions and questioned why the team management has continued to persist with him despite his lack of impact.

Srikkanth also made a sarcastic remark about Tilak’s leadership role, saying it appears the youngster could eventually become India’s captain given the confidence shown in him by the management.

He further argued that Sanju Samson would have been a more suitable option in the playing XI, especially considering India’s repeated batting failures during the tour.

Tilak’s numbers fail to silence critics

Since being appointed vice-captain, Tilak Varma has shown flashes of promise but has struggled to convert starts into match-winning performances.

His innings of 55 against Ireland remains his most significant contribution during the tour, but the knock came in a narrow defeat and has been followed by modest scores against England.

Those performances have intensified the debate over whether India should continue backing the young batter or look towards more experienced options as they attempt to rebuild momentum.

Leadership changes under scrutiny

India’s recent struggles have also brought renewed attention to the major leadership changes made after their T20 World Cup triumph.

Shreyas Iyer was handed the captaincy, while Suryakumar Yadav lost the role and was later omitted from the squad. Axar Patel also no longer serves as vice-captain, with Tilak Varma taking over the responsibility.

While the selectors viewed the changes as part of a long-term transition, the team’s recent performances have led many former cricketers to question whether the move has produced the desired results.

Pressure mounting ahead of remaining matches

With the series already slipping away, India now face the challenge of restoring confidence and ending the tour on a positive note.

As criticism from former players grows louder and fans demand answers, the spotlight will remain firmly on both the team management and the players expected to lead India’s next generation.

Whether the selectors stick with Tilak Varma or opt for changes in the coming matches could become one of the biggest talking points as Team India looks to move past a difficult phase.